STACCATO Site Amsterdam
Amsterdam-Noord, one of the 14 districts of the city of Amsterdam, has been developed rapidly in the post war period. For most of these buildings renovation is required, both from a technical as well as from a social point of view. Within STACCATO an approach with an enormous impact on sustainability is demonstrated in a project of 1,172 dwellings called Het Breed. Het Breed is a much talked about housing complex designed by architect Van Gool and built in the 1960’s. It exists of 11 five-storey buildings all connected by air bridges, a relic from the old airport. The dwellings are owned by two housing associations. A certain number of houses will be sold.
The renovation of the dwellings started in September 2008. Unfortunately it was stopped after 1 month due to various problems. A restart was scheduled in spring 2010. Meanwhile the integration of a sustainable energy system into the energy supply system is carried out.
The project backers want Amsterdam to be a stepping stone for the implementation of energy efficiency measurements and renewable energy sources in other redevelopment areas.
A major challenge for Dutch housing associations is to obtain approval from tenants of buildings scheduled for renovation. More than 70% of tenants must agree to the renovation before it can start. Therefore a very high level of communication is important.
The project incorporates far reaching insulation measures up to the level of new housing. The sustainable energy measures are even more ambitious than the requirements for new housing and will be an example for similar existing housing projects in the area and other cities.
For the renovation period, the tenants can chose between staying in their apartments or using a temporary dwelling.
- Estimated population involved: 3,164
- Approx. geographical area coverage: Information will follow
- Approx. energy saving: 5,073 MWh/y electricity and 7,805 MWh/y heating
- Approx. energy from RES: 9,062 MWh/y heating